Keon Johnson is an American professional basketball player who plays as a shooting guard for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. Born on March 10, 2002, in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Johnson stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 186 pounds.
Early Life and Education
Johnson attended The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, where he was a standout basketball player. He earned the title of Tennessee Mr. Basketball twice, in 2018 and 2019, recognizing him as the state’s top high school player.
College Career
He played one season (2020–2021) at the University of Tennessee. As a freshman, Johnson averaged 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman Team. Notably, at the NBA Draft Combine, he recorded a 48-inch maximum vertical leap, setting a new combine record.
Professional Career
- Los Angeles Clippers (2021–2022): Johnson was selected 21st overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks and subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. He signed his rookie contract in August 2021 and appeared in 15 games during his rookie season.
- Portland Trail Blazers (2022–2023): In February 2022, Johnson was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. He achieved a career-high 20 points twice during the 2022–2023 season. However, his season was cut short due to a broken finger sustained in late March 2023.
- Brooklyn Nets (2023–Present): On November 1, 2023, Johnson signed a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets. He re-signed with the team on a multi-year deal in July 2024. Since joining the Nets, Johnson has taken on a more prominent role, especially following injuries to key players. In a game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 16, 2025, he contributed 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in a 122–114 victory.
Recent Performance
With increased playing time due to team injuries, Johnson has stepped up as a reliable contributor. In the absence of Cam Thomas, he has averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.9 steals over recent games. His versatility and defensive skills have been valuable assets to the Nets’ rotation.
Personal Life
Keon’s mother, Conswella Sparrow Johnson, was a two-time Class AAA Tennessee Miss Basketball and played college basketball at Auburn University, where she earned All-Southeastern Conference honors twice.